History

When Iowa lawyer C.H. Brooks visited Wichita in the midst of a real estate boom, he recognized an opportunity when he saw one and purchased several town lots. In 1886, he moved his practice to Wichita and founded our firm. For 130 years, our firm has grown and evolved with the community and region it serves. C.H. Brooks' legacy and the firm's longevity represent stability, security and loyalty to our clients. Our firm has played an integral role in Wichita and Kansas history through its legal accomplishments, past and present.

Legal Accomplishments

Our reputation in the field of law is based on successful representation:

Recognized nationally in matters relating to production, regulation and sale of natural gas through 50 years of ongoing representation of Southwest Kansas Royalty Owners Association.

Participation in cases before the Kansas Supreme Court that set precedents for the development of product liability and medical malpractice law.

Representation of Fall River-area landowners against the federal government's condemnation proceedings; special counsel to City of Wichita for the condemnations in the Valley Center flood control project.

Defense of contested will that established manner in which estate worth approximately $90 million was thereafter distributed.

Representation of plaintiff-class in discrimination action on behalf of African-American railway employees who recovered $18-plus million from their employer and unions that represented other employees.

Counsel to lenders involved in the multimillion dollar loan necessary to build the long-awaited Hyatt Regency Hotel on the Arkansas River — a community project based on a public-private partnership among the developer, City of Wichita and 13 area lenders.

Our lawyers' skills, judgment and commitment have contributed to Wichita's growth and development.

Community Involvement

Since 1886, firm members have provided guidance in civic, community and professional affairs by serving as:

Mayor of City of Wichita; presidents of Wichita's school board and Chamber of Commerce.

Directors of Wichita's leading financial institutions, including Union National Bank and INTRUST Bank, N.A.